Hardware Test Engineer

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active US Government Secret security clearance for start. US citizenship is required. 10% travel.

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history — from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Join Northrop Grumman – Cincinnati (aka Xetron), part of Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation, offering the benefits of both. This unique relationship provides the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will tackle the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing expertise while learning from others.

This position is 100% on-site and contingent upon obtaining funding, customer approval, and final clearances prior to the start date.

Responsibilities

• Develop hardware test requirements and detailed integration test plans, procedures, readiness reviews (TRRs), test data, and reports.
• Execute hardware qualification testing in accordance with established requirements, plans, and procedures.
• Conduct hardware tests while managing and prioritizing problem resolution.
• Compile data to determine necessary changes in test equipment, procedures, or to establish new test requirements.
• Lead cross-functional testing (including hardware, software, and systems engineers) in both laboratory and field environments.
• Conduct formal technical reviews, such as Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) with internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Manage test equipment, including the design, development, or integration of specialized test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and generate comprehensive test reports.
• Troubleshoot complex, multi-domain system failures (hardware/software/mechanical) and conduct root cause analyses.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact during test events, managing customer expectations and reporting results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 2 years of related test experience, or a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university.
• Experience authoring hardware test procedures and ensuring data integrity and cataloging under general supervision.
• Experience with hardware test execution, diagnostics, and formal requirement decomposition with traceability and verification under general supervision.
• Working knowledge of standard test equipment: RF Power Meters, Frequency Generators, Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Waveform Generators, Synthesizers, Digitizers, and/or Signal Analyzers.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following software packages used in hardware testing: LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python and/or experience with test interfaces such as: Ethernet TCP/IP, USB, GPIB, RS-232, RS-422, etc.
• Active US Government Secret Level security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to work 100% onsite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to provide technical hardware solutions to complex engineering test cases.
• Experience creating automated test scripts that integrate with hardware interfaces.
• Experience working with operational hazards such as overhead lifting, Thermal Chambers, and Vibration Test systems.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple, shifting priorities while maintaining safety standards.
• Demonstrated leadership of System Test efforts in a dynamic work environment.
• Experience with COMSEC material management.
• Experience engaging external customers through meetings, presentations, and technical negotiations.
• Active US Government Top Secret Level security clearance.

Pay

Primary salary range: $75,800.00 – $113,800.00. The range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining base salary offers. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.